Master Brian McCann's Hapkido Family Tree Master Brian McCann has been a student of the Korean Martial art of Hapkido since 1990. Currently he continues his studying of both traditional (Moo Young Kwan) Hapkido under 9th Dan Grandmaster Moo Young Kang and Modern (Defensive) Hapkido under 7th Dan Grandmaster Frank Noguera. 
Mr. McCann combines both methods of training for his students so they can truly learn the most effective and realistic Martial Arts available while staying true to Hapkido’s Korean roots. In addition to studying Hapkido, Master Brian has received Black belts in two other Martial Arts. Shodan (Black Belt) in Japanese Aiki-Jitsu, as well as the rank of 1st Dan in Bushido Kempo Karate. He is also a licensed Police Defensive Tactics instructor. 
Master McCann has been inducted into several Martial Art Hall of Fames for his excellence in teaching both adults and children. Some of these include, Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame, World Karate Union Hall of Fame, and Grandmaster Gary Alexander’s IAMA Hall of Fame. |
Awards and Accomplishments:
- Direct student & 4th Degree Master Instructor of Hapkido under Grand Master Frank Noguera founder of Defensive Hapkido.
- Accepted into the elite Moo Young Kwan Traditional Hapkido Family by Grand Master Moo Young Kang.
- Black Belt Ranks recognized in both Traditional Hapkido and Modern Hapkido styles.
- World Kido/Hanminjok Hapkido-Grand Master In Sun Seo
- Defensive Hapkido-Grand Master Frank Nougera
- Combat Hapkido- Grand Master John Pellegrini
- Shodan(Black Belt) Aiki-Jitsu- Master Carl Farinelli
- Aiki Arts – Instructor License-IAACAB
- Black Belt Bushido Kempo Karate- Professor Gary Dill
- Licensed Police Defensive Tactics instructor-IPDTI
- Weapons Instructor-Combat Hapkido/ICHF
- Cane Instructor-Cane Masters International-Grand Master Mark Shuey
- Filipino Stick and Knife Instructor-Guru Julius Melligrito /PMAA
Instructor Craig Wierzbicki has been a student of the Korean martial art of Hapkido since 1998 when he started his study of traditional Hapkido under 4th Dan Master Hugh Cole and 9th Dan Grand Master Chong Min Lee. Craig has studied modern Hapkido under Master McCann since 2003 .He received his 1st Dan Black Belt from Master McCann in 2005, and 2nd Dan in 2007.
Over the years, Craig has trained in other martial art styles and in his own words here's what he has to say about Hapkido ... "Until I discovered Hapkido, for nearly twenty years I moved from (martial art) style to style because I never felt satisfied that the style I was learning would provide me the skills to confidently handle myself in any self-defense situation. There is more to self defense that just kicking and punching. Hapkido covers it all - all ranges of fighting, a multitude of self-defense situations, and a variety of responses: strikes, locks, throws, chokes, and more. Hapkido has provided me with the broadest range of skills to confidently handle any self-defense situation. After all those years of searching, the search has finally stopped. Hapkido is the most comprehensive martial art I have found. I will forever be a student of Hapkido."
Awards and Accomplishments:
- Senior Instructor License (Hapkido) Self Defense Academy
- 2nd Degree Black Belt (Combat Hapkido) under Master Brian McCann
- Black belt ranks are qualified and certified in both traditional Hapkido and modern Hapkido styles
- World Kido/Hanminjok Hapkido-Grand Master In Sun Seo
- Combat Hapkido- Grand Master John Pellegini
- Proud Member of Grand Master Noguera’s Defensive Hapkido Association
- Proud Member of the Moo Young Kwan traditional Hapkido Family
Instructor David Staples has been a loyal student of SDA since 2003. Mr. Staples assist Master McCann with Hapkido seminars and demonstrations throughout the state of New Jersey. In addition to Hapkido, Dave has also studied the martial art Kenpo-Jujitsu. Instructor Staples earned his Combat Hapkido Black Belt in 2007 at the age of 45.
In addition to some ‘help from above’…… Dave credits Hapkido falling and rolling techniques for saving his life during a motorcycle accident in 2006.
Awards and Accomplishments:
- Instructor License (Hapkido) Self Defense Academy
- 1st Degree Black Belt (Combat Hapkido) under Master Brian McCann
- Black belt ranks are qualified and certified in both traditional Hapkido and modern Hapkido styles
- World Kido/Hanminjok Hapkido-Grand Master In Sun Seo
- Combat Hapkido- Grand Master John Pellegini
- Proud Member of Grand Master Noguera’s Defensive Hapkido Association
- Proud Member of the Moo Young Kwan traditional Hapkido Family